Over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly diesel, was loaded at South Korean ports onto seven tankers that made 14 voyages to Russia’s far east in July and August.
Guardian analysis revealed that over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, primarily diesel, was loaded at South Korean ports and transported to Russia’s far east between July and August. Seven tankers made 14 voyages, with three of them under UK and EU sanctions. One of the tankers used a ship-to-ship transfer in South Korean waters to obscure the cargo’s origin, allowing it to avoid calling at port terminals. This method complicates tracking and may help evade scrutiny. An analyst from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air stated that the shipments undermine South Korea’s public support for Ukraine and weaken the sanctions regime.
South Korea has provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid and non-lethal military supplies, including helmets, body armor, and demining vehicles, and pledged $2.3 billion in support in 2023. However, the country has not sent weapons to Ukraine, following its policy of not supplying lethal arms to nations at war. The fuel shipments do not appear to violate South Korean law, which focuses on export controls for industrial goods rather than fuel trade. The move, however, risks damaging Seoul’s credibility in Western efforts to pressure Russia, especially as tensions with Kyiv rise over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
Why it matters
The use of sanctioned tankers complicates South Korea’s alignment with Western sanctions against Russia.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether South Korea’s handling of the prisoner transfer affects its credibility with Kyiv.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.